GOOD FRIDAY INVITATION TO PRAYER

On this Good Friday, we invite you to pray with us the intercessions and closing prayer from our morning Liturgy of the Hours. (taken from People's Companion to the Breviary, Vol. 1; Carmelites of Indianapolis)

 Let us pray:

We adore you, O Christ, for by the wood of the cross, you brought joy to the world: 

     Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus, you were taken prisoner in the darkness of night; all  your friends abandoned you;

     - be with all who are abducted and strengthen all who mourn those who are missing.

You were crowned with thorns and beaten by soldiers;

     - help us to end torture throughout the world; have pity on those so afflicted.

Your face was covered with spittle and you wore a robe of shame;

     -heal the wounds that make us act less than human; remind us that we are made in the image of  God.

You accepted the help of Simon and Veronica;

     -awaken us to the ways that we can help those who are suffering, and be grateful to those who minister to us. 

Carrying your cross, you continued to show concern for others, for those who would come after you;

     -let our burdens make us compassionate toward the burdens of others.

Merciful God, you so loved the world that you sent Jesus to save us. He showed his love for us by his life and his death on the cross. Give us the grace to respond with all our minds and hearts with a love that transforms us into a people worthy of you. Teach us to live in you and for one another as Jesus taught us.

Amen!